Did I miss Something?

Did I miss something?

I have never professed to being a genius. I deny being an idiot. I am, as many of you, a common person with some common sense.

But as of late, I have observed several things that cause me to wonder, “Have I missed something?”

This first observation came when I read that Illinois State Representative John Bradley (D – Marion) wants to increase our state’s already high gas tax by 8¢ per gallon. This was immediately followed by the federal government wanting to increase the fed’s gas tax 10¢ per gallon.

Their reasoning?

People are not driving as much because of the high price of gasoline. Therefore, gasoline taxes are down and road repairs are not being made. Too, because of increased fuel costs, people disposed of their gas sucking SUV’s and big trucks and purchased fuel economy vehicles.

Now, as I see this, people instilled cost saving measures in their diving habits. Because we were urged to do so, we are penalized with a higher fuel tax. Does it not stand to reasoning that if taxes drive up the cost of fuel we will drive even less?

Hm, did I miss something?

A friend indicated that perhaps toll roads could be the answer.

His response made think that odd. I read where Oregon wants auto manufacturers to place a tracking device in each vehicle. Then a satellite will track and measure your driving and the state will charge you a mileage tax.

Again, if I have to pay more to drive, will I?

I read a financial paper called Barron’s. Like most financial periodicals, it contains recession-is-coming or recession-is-here messages that do not inspire making big item purchases. They advocate cautious buying.

So, what advertisement is placed next to these articles?

Have you ever heard of a watch called Audemars Piguet?

Chances are, you are like me and have not. Therefore, I went to the Internet and looked into this watch.

It is made in France. Starting prices are about $8,000 and reaching as high as $146,000.

Now let me see, who can afford such watches?

Corporate executives readily come to mind.

But wait, big corporations are asking for government bail out money.

So, why is an expensive watch advertised in a periodical that urges cautious buying? And what common person can afford such a watch?

Hm, did I miss something?

The Wall Street Journal advertises corporate jets for the corporate executive on the go.

I think the CEO’s of Chrysler, Ford and GM wished they had not used their jets to fly to our nation’s capitol while holding a beggar’s cup in their hand.

So, if times are tough and luxury travel is frowned upon, why advertise new corporate jets?

Did I miss something?

Let’s revisit Barron’s, again. It says that we should avoid buying Treasury Bonds because of low interest rates and long-term maturity.

That make sense.

But, if we do not invest in our government, how do we make bailout money available?

Oh, yeah. I forgot, just print more money.

But doesn’t that cause inflation?

Hm, did I miss something?